Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Knowing the Signs and When to Seek Advice

Skin Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder to recognise early skin cancer symptoms and seek professional advice for any new or changing skin lesions. Oving Medical Clinic provides access to surgical dermatology in Chichester alongside expert assessment and advanced screening options to support early detection and patient reassurance.

3 Key Takeaways

  • Early recognition of skin cancer symptoms can make a significant difference to treatment outcomes.
  • Any new, changing, or unusual skin lesion should be assessed by a medical professional.
  • Oving Medical Clinic offers surgical dermatology assessments, alongside advanced screening options such as the Trucheck Intelli cancer screening test for patients seeking additional reassurance.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder to pay attention to our skin health and to understand the importance of early detection. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, yet many cases can be treated successfully when identified early.

At Oving Medical Clinic, we regularly support patients from Oving, Chichester, Portsmouth, Worthing, Midhurst, Haslemere, and the surrounding areas who are concerned about changes in their skin. Often, patients simply want reassurance that a mole, patch of skin, or persistent irritation is harmless. In other cases, early assessment can lead to timely treatment and improved outcomes.

Why Skin Cancer Awareness Matters

Many people associate skin cancer with prolonged sun exposure or holidays abroad, but skin damage can accumulate gradually over many years, even during everyday activities in the UK. While fair skin and a history of sunburn can increase risk, skin cancer can affect people of all skin types and ages.

One of the most important messages during Skin Cancer Awareness Month is that patients should not ignore changes simply because they seem minor. A small mole that changes shape or a patch of skin that does not heal may not necessarily be serious, but it is always worth having checked professionally.

Patients often tell us they delayed seeking advice because they “didn’t want to make a fuss” or assumed a mark was part of ageing. In reality, seeking reassurance early is always sensible and can often provide peace of mind quickly.

Common Skin Cancer Symptoms to Look Out For

Understanding the signs of skin cancer can help patients identify when medical advice may be needed. Some common skin cancer symptoms include:

  • A mole that changes size, shape, or colour
  • A new mole or skin lesion appearing unexpectedly
  • An area of skin that becomes itchy, painful, crusted, or bleeds
  • A sore that does not heal within several weeks
  • Red or scaly patches that persist
  • A lesion with uneven borders or multiple colours

The “ABCDE” guide can also be helpful when monitoring moles:

  • A – Asymmetry: one half looks different from the other
  • B – Border: edges appear irregular or blurred
  • C – Colour: uneven colouring or multiple shades
  • D – Diameter: larger than 6mm or growing
  • E – Evolving: changing over time

Not every skin change is cancerous, and many lesions turn out to be benign. However, professional assessment is important if you notice anything unusual or persistent.

When Should You Book an Appointment?

A good rule is simple: if a skin change is new, changing, or concerning to you personally, it is worth seeking advice.

At Oving Medical Clinic, we understand that waiting for answers can feel worrying. Many patients prefer the reassurance of being assessed promptly, particularly if they are anxious about a changing mole or persistent skin irritation.

Our team provides surgical dermatology consultations in Chichester, offering professional assessment and, where appropriate, treatment or referral for further investigation. Consultations are designed to give patients the time to discuss concerns fully in a calm, confidential setting.

For some patients, this may involve monitoring a lesion over time. For others, a minor surgical procedure or biopsy may be recommended to investigate further. Throughout the process, our focus remains on clear communication, patient comfort, and evidence-based care.

Looking Beyond Symptoms: Proactive Health Screening

While skin examinations remain essential, some patients are also interested in broader approaches to proactive health monitoring.

At Oving Medical Clinic, we also offer the Trucheck Intelli cancer screening test, an advanced cancer screening test designed to detect circulating tumour cells within the bloodstream. This innovative blood test is intended to complement - not replace - standard screening programmes and clinical assessment.

Patients who enquire about the Trucheck Intelli cancer screening test are often looking for additional reassurance, particularly if they have a family history of cancer or simply want a more proactive understanding of their health.

As with all screening tests, suitability varies between individuals, and our clinicians can discuss whether this option may be appropriate as part of a wider health assessment.

Practical Ways to Protect Your Skin

Alongside recognising symptoms, prevention remains an important part of skin health. Simple habits can help reduce the risk of skin damage over time:

  • Use sunscreen with appropriate SPF protection during sunny weather
  • Avoid prolonged exposure during peak UV hours
  • Wear hats and protective clothing when outdoors
  • Avoid using sunbeds
  • Check your skin regularly, including areas that are easy to overlook such as the scalp, back, and feet

It can also help to take occasional photographs of moles or lesions so you can notice gradual changes more easily over time.

Supporting Patients Across Chichester and Beyond

Patients visiting Oving Medical Clinic often tell us they value having access to thorough, personalised care in a professional yet approachable environment. Whether you are seeking reassurance about a mole, advice regarding skin cancer symptoms, or information about advanced screening options, our team is here to help guide you through the process carefully and clearly.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month serves as an important reminder not to ignore changes in your skin.

Early assessment can provide reassurance, support timely treatment where necessary, and help patients feel more confident about their health.

If you have noticed a concerning skin change or would like to learn more about our surgical dermatology services in Chichester or the Trucheck Intelli cancer screening test, the team at Oving Medical Clinic is available, offering thorough consultations and cutting-edge screening options.

Please call us today on 01243 773167 or to book an appointment online to discuss how our services can provide you with peace of mind.